Harare, (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Monday hailed the late Brigadier General (Rtd) Victor Mpandasekwa Mzheri as a gallant son of the soil, a decorated military commander, and a patriot whose lifelong dedication to the liberation and defence of Zimbabwean will forever be remembered.
Speaking at the National Heroes’ Acre in Harare, where the late Mpandasekwa was laid to rest, President Mnangagwa described him as a fearless soldier, an exemplary leader, and a symbol of loyalty and professionalism within the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.
Brigadier General (Rtd) Mzheri passed away in Harare on Monday last week at the age of 75 after a long illness. “We gather here at our sacred national shrine to lay to rest Brigadier General (Rtd) Victor Mpandasekwa Mzheri, who was a veteran of the liberation struggle and a revered, decorated military commander in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.
May the Mzheri family find solace in that the nation mourns with them as we remember a gallant son of the soil who sacrificed his life for the good of our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe,” President Mnangagwa said.
He paid glowing tribute to the late national hero’s lifelong service, which spanned from the days of the liberation struggle to post-independence state building. Born on March 7, 1950 in Mberengwa district, Brig Gen Mzheri, whose Chimurenga name was Comrade Khetani Khanye, left the then Rhodesia in 1974 to join the liberation struggle under the armed wing of the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU), the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA).
He received military training in Zambia, Tanzania, and the former United Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR), where his leadership qualities quickly earned him positions of command. During the liberation war, he served as Deputy Commander at Freedom Camp and later as an Administrator in the ZAPU Presidency under the late Vice President Dr Joshua Nkomo.
President Mnangagwa recounted that Brigadier General Mzheri’s strategic and military acumen saw him play a key role as a Military Advisor during the historic 1979 Lancaster House Peace Talks, a defining moment in the journey to the independence of Zimbabwe.
Following independence in 1980, Brig Gen Mzheri was among the first 18 ex-combatants integrated into the newly formed Zimbabwe National Army where he was attested at the rank of Colonel in 1981 and promoted to Brigadier General in 1987, reflecting his unmatched competence and leadership within the ranks.
President Mnangagwa said the late hero commanded several key army units, including 1 and 3 Infantry Brigades, and later served as Commandant at Inkomo Garrison. He also played a significant role in the Mozambique and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) campaigns, where Zimbabwean forces contributed to regional peace and stability.
“Our late National Hero served in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces with diligence and professionalism, leaving behind a legacy of excellence. His conduct was always underpinned by exceptional loyalty and unflinching patriotism towards our beloved country,” In recognition of his outstanding service, Brig Gen Mzheri received several national honours, among them the Liberation Medal, Independence Medal, Ten Years’ Service Medal, Long and Exemplary Service Medal, Mozambique Campaign Medal, and the prestigious Grand Officer of the Zimbabwe Order of Merit. P
resident Mnangagwa said Brig Gen Mzheri’s legacy should serve as a source of inspiration for Zimbabweans, particularly those serving in the security and defence sectors, urging the nation to emulate the fallen hero’s discipline, humility, and unwavering commitment to duty.
“Our enduring philosophy, Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo / Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo (a country is built, governed and prayed for by its people), is a continuous call to action. Let us all be inspired by the life of our National Hero, which is a testament of courage, focus, and steadfast service to one’s country,” he said.
He also reaffirmed Government’s commitment to consolidate national unity, peace, and development, values for which heroes like Brig Gen Mzheri fought and lived. “Cde Khetani Khanye, your professional conduct, based on honesty, integrity, humility, and leadership, must inspire many to carry our beloved motherland forward.
We, therefore, befittingly inter you at this sacred shrine in recognition of your distinguished role in our struggle and for consistently and persistently serving our motherland,” he said.
New Ziana
